Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-06
LATER FROM TIE WRECK.
SPECIAL telegram to the Dispatch.l
FfFTIFrH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, December ), 1887.

The Senate wore fresh and tasteful
appearance this morning. The floors
aud galleries were newly carpeted, and
the desks glistened in their coat of var
nish, the odOr OF which mingled family
with that OF bouquets and gorgeous flo
raj devices which enlivened the picture.
The senator most favored in the matter
of flowers was Mr. Daniel, of Virginia.
The devices were oil of mammoth pro-
portions and covered not only his desk
and chair, but oyerlapped upon the desks
of his neighbors. A huge horseshoe, a
ladder Of half q dozen rounds, and a
shield comprising the eoat-of-arms of
Virginia, we're chief among the pieces.
Senator Riddleberger's desk bore a
harp with the compliments OF the Clan
Ma Gael, of Philadelphia.
Senator German was the recipient OF a
horseshoe upon an easel.
The desks of Senators Searrick, Beck,
Paddock, Stewart, Henderson, and
Palmer, and that of the President of the
Senate, were also deliberately adorned
with flowers in various unique and taste
full forms.
The senators began TO arrive and take
their seats before ii O'Clock, Senators
Stewart and Hiscock being the first
corners. For an hour before noon the
floor was busy scene, members of
both parties, their friends, and officers of
the Senate taking this occasion TO ex-
change greetings and compare notes.
The chief topic of conversation with
the majority was the prospect of a con-
fiict over the admission of certain Demo-
cratic senators elect, and it early became
known that the Republicans, in default
OF any caucus plan of action. had con-
cluded to follow the lead of their mem
bers Of the Committee ON Privileges and
Elections. There had been an informal
consultation, it was understood, and
had reached the conclusion to make no
opposition 10 the admission Of Mr..
1nrpie. Of Indiana, but to object to the
admission of Mr.. Faulkner, OF West
Virginia. ON the ground that there were
conflicting credentials from that State.
The galleries were early crowded and
10 overlooking. Mrs. Cleveland, clad in
costume OF dark green, and accompa-
MED by Mrs. Glider, Mrs. kingsford,
and several other lady friends, occupied
seats reserved for the family of the Pre-
sident in one of the private galleries.
The diplomatic gallery was filed by
members OF the various legations, the
front seat being occupied by the Chinese
Minister, his secretary, and associates.
The Minister wore a magnificent robe OF
light-blue satin, and his companions were
clad as richly though in more subdued
colors.
The proceedings OF the day were
opened with prayer by the Chaplain,
Rev. J. G. Butler. Heasked that thesena-
tors might be endowed with wisdom and
strength TO meet the honorable aud try
ing responsibilities Of tho day and all
duties that gather around them.
The President OF the Senate, Mr.. In
gals, then took the chair and called the
Senate TO order. He said he would now
place before the Senate the certificates Of
election, the certificates OF appointment,
md other papers received since the ad-
joarnment
The following papers were thoreupon
submitted and read: Certificate OF the
Governor OF Flodda making temporary
appointment OF j. j. Finlsy as senator
from the 4th OF March, 1887, until tho
Legislature should fill the vacancy
csused by the expiration Of the term Of